The pages of history of World Cup 2007 would record the event as a tragi-comedy where Australia, under Ricky Ponting, emerged winners. The much dwarfed rice-and-curry lads from Sri Lanka, though beaten, can gain comfort and consolation for exhibiting supreme sportsmanship throughout the tournament, especially in the final at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

By Stanley Jayasinghe

Skipper Mahela Jayawardena and his deputy Kumar Sangakkara set standards of decency and fair play which politicians and cricketers world wide would do well to emulate. We saw how, despite the momentous occasion, Sangakkara dived and grabbed an Adam Gilchrist snick which, to cameras and naked eye, appeared a clear catch. Immediately and without prompting, Sangakkara frantically swung his hands vigorously, whilst still grounded, indicating a “No Catch”, to relieve the umpires of an unwanted puzzle.

Sangakkara appears to have transformed himself from a vociferous wicket-keeper in the recent past, whose exuberant but often times unwarranted appeals earned this writer’s censure. I can only deduce from such mature conduct that Sri Lanka cricket will continue to prosper linked to standards of decency which could be the envy of all cricket-playing nations. It proves my oft repeated contention that successes in this gentlemen’s game could be achieved whilst upholding its lofty traditions.

Mahela Jayawardena’s gracious acceptance of Pontings appeal to continue the game in semi-darkness, honouring the dictum that “The Umpire’s Word Is Law” is in keeping with true sportsmanship. Admittedly captains of other Test-playing countries have defied umpiring decisions and had their own way. In this WC 2007 final, despite Jayawardena’s prompting the umpires that the match could be considered as completed after the mandatory 20 overs, the foolhardy umpires insisted that the remaining three overs be bowled.

One is entitled to question those critics of Sri Lankan policies the reasons for their deafening silence on this issue. Such ridiculous direction by a crew of cricketing umpires of international repute demands condemnation.

Sri Lanka were progressing smoothly, with Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara middling the ball confidently in a century stand, when bad light and rain intervened, it was reported.

It was at this juncture that Velveddithurai’s villainous Velupillai Prabakharan struck in Colombo and suburbs with his beggarly aeronautical armaments. The black-out denied cricket enthusiasts their long-awaited and much cherished Sri Lanka vs. Australia match on the TV screens. This unexpected set-back prompted this writer to head for the land of nod thereafter.

Uncertain of subsequent events at Kensington Oval the writer would not venture to dwell on further issues. However, considering the importance of the occasion, and disappointed by the match result, it would be justifiable to pose a few pertinent questions to the powers that be.

That Australia was the superior team on the day may be acceptable. A few points, however, keep niggling. With a battery of selectors who had winged their way to proffer advice and guidance to Mahela Jayawardena it would appear comical why the erratic and unpredictable Dilhara Fernando was in the final line-up. Despite 6 - 7 years in the National pool he continues to be an enigma with his wides and no-balls. Juniors such as Lasitha Malinga and Fervez Mahroof have hit the headlines more often. The Selectors should hasten to put their thinking caps on and not hope for divine intervention like some other countries do!

Admittedly, Fernando exceeded the wildest expectations of most cricket fans when he dismissed the last Englishman a fortnight ago, in the final over, to bring Sri Lanka a thrilling victory. But to expect a repeat-performance with his dismal and erratic record in recent times was the height of optimism, especially when this wicket was benign to batsmen. The grassless, well-rolled strip, which carried a sheen on it, was a batsman’s dream and a bowler’s nightmare. Gilchrist’s prayers had been answered!

Sri Lanka’s pace ace, Chaminda Vaas, who over the years has not failed to give the initial break-through, was for once, out-thought and out-shone by the devastating Gilchrist. It would not be incorrect to state that the eventual result of the game was a consequence of Vaas’ s failure to get his usual early prey and Gilchrist’s dynamic hitting.

A very valid query should be addressed to the ICC and the Tour Management of both teams. Was a copy of the Duckworth-Lewis calculation system submitted to all participating teams and the relevant officials prior to the commencement of this momentous tournament? If such mandatory obligation had been fulfilled why were the concerned officials so much in the dark regarding the correct and wisest course of action? This oversight may, perhaps, have contributed in some measure to Sri Lanka’s miscalculation when chasing the required target. Without a doubt this vital aspect should have dawned on the parties concerned when dark clouds gathered in the distant horizon.It is pertinent to mention that a similar situation arose in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1999 where this writer officiated as Manager. After Zimbabwe had exceeded the two-hundred mark Sri Lanka went in search of victory. Around the half-way mark of the innings heavy dark clouds were threatening play. The Duckworth-Lewis calculation system had just come into force a couple of months earlier. Chief Executive Dave Ellmon Brown had ensured that a copy had reached this writer prior to the commencement of the first ODI

Having had a glance at the Duckworth-Lewis system it had registered in the writer’s mind that a match could be decided at the conclusion of a minimum of twenty overs. Anxious that rain could wash-out play this writer secured his copy of the Duckworth Lewis system and sought the assistance of Coach Dav Whatmore who was in the vicinity. As statistics were not our forte, neither was able to unravel the mysteries of this unusual puzzle. A few distinguished visitors in the VIP enclosure too found it confusing.

Thankfully a Sri Lankan cricket enthusiast happened to overhear our dilemma and sprang to the rescue. He was none other than Group Captain Sriyan Samararatne who was most certainly a God-send at that crucial moment. Samararatne proved equal to the task His well-studied analysis soothed our nerves, as he kept track of the runs, overs and wickets which are all involved in the D-L calculations. Russel Arnold and Upul Chandana changed gear with a flurry of strokes and ensured Sri Lanka beat the rain and Zimbabwe.

From the foregoing it is the writer’s candid opinion that the finger of guilt should be pointed not only at the two Umpires and the Match Referee but also at the Tour Management. Unfortunately, as is the usual practice, the stable door will be closed after the horse has bolted. -Wijeya Newspapers

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